Soft Power, Strong Voices

This podcast is a revealing tapestry of human connection, where foreign aid is not a transaction but a relationship—and where Peace Corps voices like Glenn Blumhorst, Betsy Small, and Flo Reed illuminate the real, often complicated, pathways to change. Blumhorst, a fellow PCV in Guatemala and longtime advocate for global service with whom I’ve worked, praises the series for its authenticity and emotional depth, noting how it reframes diplomacy through lived experience. Betsy Small’s episode, rooted in her struggles serving up-country in Sierra Leone, was inspiring. At the same time, Flo Reed’s reflections on reforestation in Panama underscore the power of collaboration and grassroots resilience. Together, these stories challenge conventional narratives and offer a compelling argument for soft power grounded in humility, listening, and long-term commitment.